And now for the granny square contrast blanket pattern!!

A free, printable PDF of this pattern is available in our subscribers-only Freebie Library. Click here to sign up!

Granny Squares:
Make 36 7-round granny squares in your main color. You can use my tutorial, or the written pattern below. Each finished square is ~ 6.5 inches across.

Ch 4 and join with a sl st.
Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), 2 dc into the center of the ring. *Ch 1, 3 dc into the center of the ring.* Repeat the * section two more times, then join to the first dc (NOT the chain) with a sl st.
Round 2: Ch 2, turn. 2 dc into space below ch, ch 1, 3 dc into space. This will create your first of four corners. Below next chain (in the gap between the 3 dc clusters) crochet *3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc* (repeat * section 2 more times, for a total of four corners). Connect to the first dc with a sl st.
Round 3: Ch 2, turn. 2 dc into space below ch. In the corner space, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc (for your first corner). *3 dc in the next space, in the corner 3 dc, ch 1, 3dc* repeat * section 2 more times. Connect to first dc with a sl st.
Round 4: Ch 2, turn. 2 dc into space below ch. In the corner space, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc. *3 dc in the next 2 spaces, in the corner 3 dc, ch 1, 3dc* repeat * section 2 more times. 3 dc into the final space. Connect to first dc with a sl st.
Round 5: Ch 2, turn. 2 dc into space below ch. 3 dc in next space. In the corner space, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc. *3 dc in the next 3 spaces, in the corner 3 dc, ch 1, 3dc* repeat * section 2 more times. 3 dc into the final space. Connect to first dc with a sl st.
Round 6: Ch 2, turn. 2 dc into space below ch. 3 dc in next 2 spaces. In the corner space, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc. *3 dc in the next 4 spaces, in the corner 3 dc, ch 1, 3dc* repeat * section 2 more times. 3 dc into the final space. Connect to first dc with a sl st.
Round 7: Ch 2, turn. 2 dc into space below ch. 3 dc in next 3 spaces. In the corner space, 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc. *3 dc in the next 5 spaces, in the corner 3 dc, ch 1, 3dc* repeat * section 2 more times. 3 dc into the final space. Use an invisible join to connect to the first chain, then weave in the ends.

To join-as-you-go, follow the pattern shown in the image above to connect your granny squares. I prefer to start joining my squares before they’re all finished, it allows me to mix it up when I get bored of making squares. Plus it’s easy to see how much progress you’ve made when it’s all laid out and semi-connected, rather than in a big pile of squares.

I used a Russian join to connect each new skein of grey yarn, so that my joining could be continuous. There’s an excellent Russian joining tutorial on the Craftsy if you’re not sure how to do it. This was the first time I had ever used it and really love the technique — so easy! It adds a little extra thickness to the stitches around the join, but it’s barely noticeable on a large project like this.

When you finish joining your granny squares, crochet around the last three sides of the blanket.

Use a seamless join and weave in your ends.

Border:
For my border, I treated the contrast blanket as one big granny square. It already had a gray border from finishing off the join-as-you-go, so I began by adding another round of the Pagoda color I used for the granny squares. This follows the exact same pattern as the granny squares — 3 dc in each side space and 3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc in each corner.

I considered stopping here, but decided that the contrast blanket needed more gray, and a smidge more pizzazz.

First, I crocheted another round of gray, following the same granny square pattern. Then, I added the final zig-zaggy layer, which had a little bit of a ruffle.

In order to accomplish this effect, you’ll treat every space, be it side or be it corner, the same. Throw down 3 dc, ch 2, and 3 dc into every. single. space. I found that the chain 2 between the clusters helped each zig to zag properly, and to make the top pointier. When you reach the end, connect to the first dc with an invisible join and weave in your ends.

Of course, you can use any border method you like, but I love how mine turned out. The zig-zags add some extra interest to the edges, and they create a slight ruffle since you’re crocheting so many extra stitches.

Pretty, no? I love, love, love mine! The only problem now is figuring out what to do with it. We have a lot of blankets already, so we could either upgrade to this new granny square blanket, or I could gift it. I’m attached, but you can’t keep everything you make, right?! Sigh.

4 Comments

Hello,
I love your granny square patterns. I am wanting to make a purse also a bag to carrying my crochet projects where ever I go
Thank you for all of your great idea’s
Do you have written patterns? Reading is much easier when I am getting cancer treatment.
Take care,
Maryanne

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.